Our Lineage & Teachers

More than two millennia ago, Buddha Shakyamuni imparted the profound wisdom of enlightenment. His teachings radiated across the vast expanse of ancient India, igniting minds and hearts with the wisdom of liberation. In the wake of his physical departure, the teachings continued to flourish, permeating the fabric of Indian society and eventually transcending its borders to permeate Asia.

Among these lands, Tibet stands out for its unparalleled practice and preservation of the Buddha’s teachings. The diverse tapestry of Buddhist traditions found a home in Tibet, where they were not merely adopted, but cherished. Across generations, Tibetans meticulously safeguarded and perpetuated these teachings, ensuring their preservation for posterity. Through the dedication of the Tibetan people, the teachings of the Buddha continued to bestow happiness, well-being, and liberation upon those who embraced them in practice.

Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche

Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche was born in 1951 as the eldest son of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. He has served as the abbot of Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery since its inauguration in 1976. Overseeing both the monastery and its affiliate institutions, Rinpoche is responsible for the personal welfare and spiritual education of nearly 500 monks and nuns. Rinpoche is a renowned meditation master and teacher. For over 35 years he has taught audiences in Nepal and around the world. He is the founder and head of a global network of Buddhist centers dedicated to study, practice, and social work.

Phakchok Rinpoche

Phakchok Rinpoche was born in 1981 to Kyapjé Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche and Sangyum Dechen Paldrön, within the family lineage of the great treasure revealer (terchen) Chokgyur Dechen Zhikpo Lingpa. Rinpoche was recognized as the reincarnation of the 6th Kyapgön Phakchok Rinpoche, one of the three throne holders (kyapgöns) of the Taklung Kagyü seat (densa) at Marthang Kham Riwoche monastery. Among Rinpoche’s previous incarnations, the 4th Kyapgön Phakchok Rinpoche was a devoted disciple and patron of Terchen Chokgyur Lingpa. During that period, it was the unwavering support of the upholders of Riwoche Monastery that created the auspicious circumstances for Chokgyur Lingpa’s awakened activity to spread and flourish.

Under the guidance of his root gurus—Kyapjé Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, Kyapjé Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche, and Kyapchok Soktse Rinpoche—Phakchok Rinpoche has received and practiced the profound Dharma teachings handed down in an unbroken lineage from Mahaguru Padmasambhava. Inspired by the life and legacy of Guru Padmasambhava, Terchen Chokgyur Lingpa and the upholders of Riwoche Monastery, Rinpoche has devoted his own life to spreading the teachings of Guru Rinpoche, particularly the Profound Treasures of Chokgyur Lingpa (Chokling Tersar).

Tulku Urgyen Yangsi Rinpoche

Born in August, 2001, Tulku Urgyen Yangsi Rinpoche was enthroned at the age of seven in Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery in Boudhanath by Kyabje Trulshik Rinpoche on Lhabab Duchen in November, 2008.

Tulku Urgyen Yangsi Rinpoche currently resides at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery, often presiding over the monasteries large pujas and ritual practices.

Lama Tsultrim Sangpo

Lama Tsultrim Sangpo is a senior monk at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling and Gomde California’s resident teacher during the summer months. He was born in Nubri, Nepal, close to the border of Tibet. When he was twelve, Lama Tsultrim moved to Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling, where he subsequently studied until the age of 29—after which he began a traditional 3-year-retreat at Asura Cave retreat center in Pharping, Nepal. Since the completion of his retreat, Lama has resided at Ka-Nying Shedrub monastery, teaching and serving as the main chant leader for rituals during the winter season.